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Compare Duobrii vs. Ultravate

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Halobetasol-tazarotene topical (Duobrii) and halobetasol topical (Bryhali, Lexette, Ultravate) are both used to treat plaque psoriasis, but they belong to different medication classes. Duobrii is a combination of a corticosteroid (halobetasol) and a retinoid (tazarotene), while halobetasol topical is solely a corticosteroid. Duobrii is applied once daily and is only available as a brand-name lotion, whereas halobetasol topical comes in various forms, including creams, ointments, lotions, and foams, and is available as a lower-cost generic. Duobrii is specifically for adults, while some forms of halobetasol can be used by individuals aged 12 and older. Side effects of Duobrii may include skin rash and pain at the application site, while halobetasol may cause burning and stinging sensations on the skin. Both medications can cause skin thinning and should not be used on the face, groin, or underarms. Additionally, Duobrii is not safe for use during pregnancy due to the presence of tazarotene, which can harm an unborn baby.

  • Duobrii (halobetasol / tazarotene)
    Halobetasol
  • Duobrii (halobetasol / tazarotene)
    Halobetasol

  • Summary of Duobrii vs. Ultravate

    Summary for Corticosteroid / Retinoid
    Prescription only

    Duobrii is a combination medication that contains halobetasol (a corticosteroid) and tazarotene (a retinoid). It's a prescription topical lotion that's FDA-approved to treat plaque psoriasis in adults. The directions for using the medication are to apply a thin amount over the affected area(s) of skin once per day. But avoid putting on the face, groin, and underarms. Side effects aren't common, but can include skin rash and pain at the site of application. Duobrii is brand name only and not available as a generic.

    Summary for Corticosteroid
    Prescription only

    Halobetasol propionate is a super potent topical steroid that people can use to treat inflammatory skin conditions, including plaque psoriasis. It's applied directly to the affected skin once or twice per day. Halobetasol comes in many different forms, including generic creams, generic ointments, and brand-name lotions (Bryhali, Ultravate). In addition, there's a halobetasol foam called Lexette that's also available as a generic. Side effects aren't common but typically include skin irritation and burning.

  • Indications of Duobrii vs. Ultravate

    Indications for
    •Plaque psoriasis in adults
    Indications for
    •Inflammatory skin conditions - cream and ointment only
    •Plaque psoriasis - lotion and foam only

  • Pros and Cons of Duobrii vs. Ultravate

    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid / Retinoid
    Pros
    •Applied once daily
    •Combines two medications into one lotion
    •Might see some improvements in as early as 2 weeks
    Cons
    •For adults only; not studied in children
    •Not safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding
    •Available as a brand-name product only
    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •Good choice for severe inflammatory skin problems since it's a super potent topical steroid
    •Available in many different forms (cream, ointment, lotion, and foam)
    •Generally well tolerated with few possible skin reactions
    Cons
    •Available by prescription only
    •Not safe to use on the face, underarms, or groin areas
    •Not meant for long-term use because of the risk of more serious side effects

  • Common Side Effects of Duobrii vs. Ultravate

    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin rash (7%)
    •Pain where the medication was applied (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Burning feeling on the skin
    •Stinging feeling on the skin

  • Warnings of Duobrii vs. Ultravate

    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn babies
    •Altered stress hormone levels
    •Skin reactions and skin infections
    •Sun sensitivity and risk of sunburn
    •Cataracts and glaucoma
    Common Side Effects for
    •Altered stress hormone levels
    •Skin reactions
    •Need appropriate treatment for skin infections
    •Risk for cataracts and glaucoma
    •Flammable (foam only)

  • Prices with our coupons for Duobrii vs. Ultravate

    Learn more about Duobrii
    Learn more about Halobetasol

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